Photo finish...

After a night of celebrating friends, watching Harry Potter and playing lots of make believe - we had a full morning that included an official race for these three big kids. I have never in my life run an official long-distance race. These three are 10 and have run 4 or 5 each!

They've all known each other since they were babies. Caro and Radley see each other all the time but Davis lives in Franklin so when they get to see him it's a big celebration. I love that they can all pick up right where they leave off. They were getting in "race mode" while the little kids took off. 

And Emersyn opted for being live entertainment over running a mile. 

Landry ran... away from me... so she earned a spot right next to me on the grass while the first heat finished up. 

Kelly finished strong and probably beat whatever time I would have had!

Then these big kids lined up.

True story: I forgot that Caroline wasn't 10 yet so as we were pulling up, I got worried that we were going to miss her "heat". I told her that it would be fine and she could just run with the 10 year olds. Turns out the nine year olds were part of the "big kids" heat.

Caro: Zia?

Me: Yes...

Caro: Do I have to run with the big kids?

Me: Well, probably since that's your age bracket.

Caro: Man... I was really looking forward to beating all those little kids!

Davis was the first one to come around the corner - I think he finished under 9 minutes. 

Then we saw Radley and out of nowhere, Caro was right next to him... they both took off as fast as they could determined not to lose to the other. I'm honestly glad that I was behind them because I couldn't tell who finished first. 

They were both so proud of how hard they sprinted at the end. I took that as an opportunity to quote Coach Munson... "well, that just means you didn't run hard enough the entire time..."

Josh should be proud. 

Also none of them were out of breath and I'm not even sure how that's possible. I'm tired just typing this post. 

Snow much fun....

All morning long I'd heard rumors that it may snow and by the time we headed out for gymnastics the flakes were clearly coming down.... 

but an hour in the gym and we came outside to real live thick snow flakes and I was absolutely giddy! 

By the time we got back home, the white stuff was really coming down! 

SNOW - we were getting actual SNOW in Texas!

And it was even sticking to the ground!

The fact that we had some friends over made the night even more special! Also, please note how unprepared we are for snow in Texas. No snow boots, no heavy coats, no gloves but plenty of happy smiles!

 None of us could wipe the smiles off our faces - I mean this hardly ever ever ever ever EVER happens!

The snow just kept coming and coming and coming!

The kids only stopped playing to take forced pictures.

And then they were off again!

Jen and I took that as an opportunity to sit in front of the fire and enjoy a little vino. This view is a Texan momma's dream.

I moved a space heater in the garage so they kids could keep warming up their hands. The girls kept coming in to switch out jackets and I finally convinced them that their "big coats" were the best bet for the night. Emersyn was determined to build a snowman but he just kept falling over because he had a giant head.

The boys were on a mission to make the most giant snowball ever and I think they may have done it. That giant heap lasted four more days!

We let everyone stay up entirely past bedtime until they had finally had enough of the cold. Cade and Radley never came inside and I'm honestly not sure how their feet didn't freeze today because last time I checked indoor soccer shoes were not snow proof. 

By the time they were asleep, the snow had stopped and all was calm and bright.

Maybe one of my favorite Christmas-time memories to date. 

Life sends us unexpected gifts all the time. Some are apparent, like snow in south Texas and some are subtle like catching all green lights down the busiest road in town. This big gifts are a reminder to find joy in it all - no matter the season. 

Ryan finally made it home past 11pm and was greeted to this unusual sight - every coat and jacket we own being warmed by a fire. 

And the next morning we woke up to an actual winter wonderland. 

The kids could not have been more thrilled (but were maybe a **little** disappointed that school hadn't been cancelled). 

They also thought I was crazy when I instructed them to "get in the middle of the street!" If our cards hadn't already been done, this may have been our season's greetings for 2017!

And because they will never again be at the same school on a day that is filled with snow, we had to snap one more picture before it all melted away.

A perfect addition the already filled-with-joy season of Christmas!

Tiny Tales Thursday...

We went to a live nativity scene last weekend at a stop in Bethlehem as part of the Georgetown Christmas Stroll. Front row seats, awesome music, beautiful reminder of the reason for the season. It was almost just too good to be true.

And it would have been, had it not been for a kid that wanted nothing more than to pester the entire audience. He was calling to the animals, jumping up and down in the front, being loud, etc... and this wasn't a "little kid" this was a 10 or 11 year old.

Pops was not impressed. And neither was Radley. As soon as the show was over, he stood up, looked at us and said, "Where in the heck are that kid's parents??"